APS has increased its sector-wide engagement to better support members in developing and maintaining professional competence. Each week, we’ll share an update from APS HQ so you can see the breadth of work being carried out for your benefit.

What’s happened last week?

• Sofie Hooper, APS’s Deputy CEO started the week with a short external meeting in the CLC Portfolio group 4. This collaboration within the CLC focuses on in-occupation issues to address, APS is part of the group to share the design perspectives when building work takes place during the in-occupation phase. One of the issues being discussed is the ‘as built’ records and who is responsible for delivering them. We will keep members in the loop of relevant developments in that area, which is anticipated to lead to sector wide guidance.

• It was a busy week at HQ with the APS Board of Directors meeting taking place on Wednesday 4 March, which saw the inclusion of our new Directors, Stefan Mordue and Stewart McArthur.

• On Thursday, Sofie Hooper attended the Single Construction Regulator Prospectus Industry Roundtable – this Roundtable was organised by CIC, to develop a CIC and CLC response to the ongoing consultation on the Single Construction Regulator Prospectus. With the consultation closing on 20 March, APS is currently drafting its own response for submission. We are focusing on the role of professional bodies in the broader regulatory ecosystem, laying some of the groundwork of the policy in advance of the dedicated consultation on the regulation of professionals later in Spring.

Recent updates members should know about

BSI is undertaking a systematic review of the PAS standards for built environment competence, including the PAS which sets out the competence framework for the Principal Designer under the Building Regulations, the dutyholder role applicable in England and due to become applicable in Wales - PAS 8671:2022 Built environment. Framework for competence of individual Principal Designers. Specification.

The purpose of the review is to determine whether the PAS should be reconfirmed, updated through revision, withdrawn or considered for further standardisation (e.g., as national, European or international standards). As part of their review, they have launched a survey to understand market views. APS will engage with the survey which is due to close on 31 March, and we would encourage members to engage as well.

A key feature of the PAS format is that they are freely available to anyone, unlike a British Standard, which would need to be paid for. The PASs were originally sponsored by the MHCLG, because their main aim is to drive up competence standards. The survey can be completed here.

What’s coming up this week? (9- 15 March)

Meetings APS is involved in this week include:

• Andrew Leslie, CEO and Mark Snelling, President attending ISHCCO International Conference

• Sofie Hooper, Deputy CEO chairing - ITFG Steering Group

• Nicola Lally, Head of Operations attending - CIC Governance Task and Finish Group

• APS Spring Webinar series starts

We’ll continue to keep members updated on key developments and engagement across the industry as plans for 2026 take shape.

If you would like to contribute or share expertise on issues that matter to you, please contact APS HQ at info@aps.org.uk.